How to Build a Projector

For those who love the big screen viewing experience, you'll want a projector for your home entertainment center. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and interested in building a projector, you'll enjoy the experience while saving yourself hundreds of dollars. So let's look at what it takes to build a projector.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Do-it-yourself projector guide
• Building and projection supplies
• Electrical wiring and outlet access
• Projection area such as a wall
• DVD player and movie

1. Research projector building plans online. Several internet resources offer free building plans and do-it-yourself guides to help you figure out exactly what the project involves in both time and money. The guides that include diagrams and pictures will be the most helpful in showing you the step-by-step method for building your projector.
2. Select a plan that fits your preference for a projector. Keep in mind the amount of projection area you have, as it will affect the type of projector you build.
3. Purchase the necessary supplies that fit with your projector plan, including the lenses, halide lamp and ballast, electrical wiring, LCD panel, tempered glass and more. If you need some assistance deciding which supplies to purchase, consider ready-made projector kits. Also, rent or borrow the tools you will need to construct your projector and the wood cover.
4. Read through the plan thoroughly before beginning your projector project. Learn about the optics of a projector, the purpose of each component and properly cooling the lamps. If you have access to the internet, take advantage of the existing online forums that offer tips and allow you to ask questions.
5. Lay out your components and be sure each component matches up to the measurements given in your projector plan. Even the slightest alteration to the measurements can affect the outcome of your projector.
6. Follow the instructions for constructing the projection features and building the enclosure wood cover.
7. Test your projector and make the necessary tweaks to perfect the resolution of your projected picture.
8. Gather some friends and your favorite movie to debut the projector.